Does Meals contain dairy or gluten?

No, this meal is dairy-free and gluten-free. The sauce uses tamari instead of wheat-based soy sauce.

Is Meals good for weight loss?

It is a balanced meal with good fiber and protein, but be mindful of the sugar content in the gochujang sauce if strictly counting calories.

Where can I buy Meals?

This meal is available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and online via Amazon.

Is Meals safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids, though the gochujang sauce may be slightly spicy for very young palates.

Is Meals Kosher?

Yes, Meals is kosher. Based on a detailed review of the ingredient list, this meal is fully compliant with kosher dietary laws. It relies entirely on plant-based ingredients and natural flavorings, eliminating the risk of hidden animal derivatives or non-kosher processing aids.

The Ingredient Breakdown

To determine the kosher status of this meal, we need to look at the specific components, particularly the sauces and processed ingredients. The primary concern in complex sauces is often hidden animal products or non-kosher additives, but this meal navigates those pitfalls successfully.

The base of the dish consists of cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and carrots. These are all whole vegetables and are inherently kosher. The grains—cooked white sorghum, chickpeas, and cooked red quinoa—are also naturally kosher, provided they are free of insects (which is standard in processing).

The most complex ingredient is the gochujang sauce. Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste. While traditional fermentation can sometimes involve fish sauce, this specific formulation is safe. It lists miso (water, soybeans, cultured rice) and distilled vinegar as flavor agents. The tamari soy sauce is wheat-free and plant-derived. Crucially, the sweetness comes from honey and sugar, not wine or other restricted ingredients.

Finally, the pickled red onions use red wine vinegar. While wine itself requires strict rabbinical supervision to be kosher, the distillation process used to create vinegar generally purifies it, making it acceptable in most kosher certifications. The presence of cashews roasted in safflower oil adds texture without introducing dairy or meat concerns.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this meal is a powerhouse of plant-based energy. It is high in fiber due to the combination of brussel sprouts, chickpeas, and sorghum. The protein content is solid for a vegetarian meal, largely thanks to the quinoa and chickpeas, which provide essential amino acids.

Regarding sugar and fat, the gochujang sauce and honey contribute to the sugar content, while the sesame oil and cashews provide healthy fats. It is not a low-calorie 'diet' food, but rather a nutrient-dense option that fits well into a balanced lifestyle. It is free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat.